The NHL trade deadline is now over. Franchises officially have their rosters set for the rest of the season. Here is a recap of every significant NHL trade made this week by playoff hopefuls.
Avalanche acquired forward Jimmy Vesey and defensemen Ryan Lindgren and Hank Kempf (A-)
Rangers acquired Calvin de Haan, forward Juuso Parssinen, and conditional 2025 second and fourth-round picks (A)
The Avalanche found a solid second-pairing guy and depth forward without giving up a first-rounder. New York gets rid of Lindgren, who wasn’t playing well in their system, and acquires meaningful draft capital for the future.
Wild acquired Gustav Nyquist (B+)
Predators acquired 2026 second-round pick (A)
Minnesota brings back Nyquist in hopes that similar results are replicated. Predators finally seem to throw in the towel as they flip a struggling 35-year-old for a second-round pick. Originally graded an A-, the Preds probably got more in return than Nyquist is worth.
Panthers acquired Seth Jones and a 2026 fourth-round pick (B)
Blackhawks acquired Spencer Knight and a 2026 first-round pick (A+)
The Panthers made a big splash move by adding Seth Jones at the NHL trade deadline. Jones should fit in great in the Panthers’ system and identity. Chicago scores the first A+ of the NHL trade deadline, adding young and upcoming goaltender Spencer Knight. The first-round pick is another added pick to aid Chicago’s ongoing rebuild, so long as the Panthers aren’t picking in the top 10.
Oilers acquired Trent Frederic, Max Jones, and Petr Hauser (B)
Boston acquired Max Wanner, a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick in the 2026 (B)
Devils acquired Shane Lachance (A)
The Oilers finally answered fans’ prayers by adding a meaningful depth forward in Trent Frederic. The only reason the grade is a middling B is that Frederic is still week-to-week. Boston gains some draft capital as they look towards the future. The Devils, who retained 25% of Frederic’s contract, gained prospect Shane Lachance. Still in college, Lachance seemingly has a high promise of becoming an NHLer.
Panthers acquired Vitek Vanecek (C+)
Sharks acquired Patrick Giles (C)
This was a very meh trade for both sides. The Panthers grabbed a backup goalie in exchange for a guy who likely won’t see much ice time at the NHL level. It was a boring trade, but one that was needed from Florida’s end.
Lightning acquired Oliver Bjorkstrand, Yanni Gourde, Kyle Aucoin, and a 2026 fifth-round pick (A)
Kraken acquired Michael Eyssimont, a 2025 second-round pick, a conditional 2026 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 first-round pick (A+)
Detroit acquired 2025 fourth-round pick (A)
The Lightning officially go all in amid their hot streak. This makes their middle six much more intimidating and gives them a real shot at making a deep playoff run. The Kraken get a haul in return for two guys in the final years of their contracts. This is a fantastic move for a team that doesn’t have a lot of short-term direction. Detroit retains 25% of Gourde’s contract and gets a fourth in return, a good deal for both sides. It’s a win for all sides.
Panthers acquired forward Nico Sturm and 2027 seventh-round pick (A-)
Sharks acquired 2026 fourth round pick (B)
The Panthers receive a solid depth player for next to nothing—an underrated role to grab at the NHL trade deadline. On the other hand, the Sharks dump a 29-year-old who won’t be around for the rebuild and get a bit of extra draft capital down the road.
Devils acquired defenseman Brian Dumoulin (A-)
Ducks acquired Herman Traff and 2025 second-round pick (A)
The Devils bolster the blue line with a proven veteran. Dumoulin should provide stability on the defensive side of the puck for the Devils. The Ducks make their first NHL trade deadline move and get a solid return for an older player who wouldn’t have been around much longer anyway.
Jets acquired Chris Driedger (B-)
Panthers acquired Kaapo Kahkonen (C-)
Both teams get extra extra goaltender insurance. Panthers stay busy, but make a bit of a puzzling move acquiring Kahkonen.
Knights acquired forward Reilly Smith (B+)
Rangers acquired Brendan Brisson and 2025 third-round pick (A)
Vegas has been quiet this NHL trade deadline but finally made their first move by bringing back Smith. He should slide back into his middle-six role with Vegas. New York acquires some draft capital and a B-level prospect with some upside.
Rangers acquired defenseman Carson Soucy (C+)
Canucks acquired 2025 third-round pick (B)
For all the selling the Rangers have done at the NHL trade deadline, it seems odd to buy into Soucy. Perhaps a change of scenery could help his game. The Canucks also haven’t seemed to keen on trying to keep Soucy for one last run, and opt for the draft capital instead.
Wild acquired forward Justin Brazeau (C+)
Bruins acquired Marat Khusnutdinov, Jakub Lauko and a 2026 sixth-round pick (A-)
The Wild seem weirdly in full desperation mode, reaching on this trade. Marat and Lauko have been solid depth players for Minnesota, and to give that up for a guy who has just 20 points this season seems odd. Boston adds a couple of guys who should fit their new rebuild mentality well.
Avalanche acquired forwards Brock Nelson and William Dufour (B-)
Islanders acquired Calum Ritchie, Oliver Kylington, a 2026 or 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 third-round pick (A+)
On the surface, the Avs made a good trade. Brock Nelson was highly coveted, and the Avs have much catching up to do in the Central. However, the return was way too much. The Isles made out like bandits at the NHL trade deadline, nabbing an A-level prospect, a third-round pick, and a first-rounder.
The first-round pick will be in 2026 unless the Avs miss the playoffs next season; in that case, it would flip to 2027.
Oilers acquired defenseman Jake Walman (B+)
Sharks acquired Carl Berglund and a 2026 first-round pick (A)
The Oilers adding more depth??? They are making great moves in preparation for another cup run. Walman has been a bright spot on a bad Sharks team this season. He should only improve in Edmonton. The Sharks have handled Jake Walman as perfectly as you could have.
They initially received a second-round pick from the Red Wings and then another first-round pick later in the season.
Capitals acquired forward Anthony Beauvillier (B)
Penguins acquired 2025 second-round pick (A-)
The Capitals make their first NHL trade deadline move. Adding Beauviller indicates that the Caps are gonna give it their all to get Ovi another Stanley Cup. While the addition is good, the price was a bit steep. The Pens recoup a second round pick for a guy who was valued closer to a third rounder. Good draft capital for a team that appears to be retooling this season.
Senators acquired forward Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert, and a 2026 second-round pick (B+)
Sabres acquired Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker (B-)
Quite an even trade at the NHL trade deadline between the two teams, seeing Cozens headed across the border and Norris going to Buffalo.
Both players are similar, although Cozens has proved that his ceiling is higher than that of Josh Norris. It seems odd that Buffalo needed to add that second-round pick. Ultimately, Cozens needed a change of scenery, and hopefully, Ottawa can provide that.
Kings acquired Andrei Kuzmenko and a 2025 seventh-round pick (B)
Flyers acquired 2027 third-round pick (C+)
The Flyers recently acquired Kuzmenko for a third-round pick in two years. This return seems lackluster, but it was likely the only option if they wanted to get anything back for the Russian. Meanwhile, the Kings enter the NHL trade deadline, making a small add to fend off Calgary, who’s gaining on them in the playoff race.
Jets acquired Luke Schenn (A-)
Penguins acquired 2026 second-round pick and 2027 fourth-round pick (A)
The Jets finally make a move, adding to their defensive core. A great addition to the group that was the cause for their collapse last season, and Schenn plays a great brand of hockey come playoff time. The Penguins continue to add draft capital, which seems to be stockpiling for either a retool or rebuild post-Crosby.
Jets acquired Brandon Tanev (A)
Kraken acquired a 2027 second-round pick (A)
A definition of win-win. The Jets get a great physical 4th line grinder. This makes them a very well-rounded team, and the Jets will be scary coming into the playoffs. The Kraken continue to add draft picks and now have a great future ahead.
Leafs acquired Scott Laughton, a fourth-round pick, and a sixth-round pick (A)
Flyers acquired Nikita Grebenkin and the 2026 first-round pick (A)
The Leafs get the best center left on the market for 50% retained. This was a fantastic deal for the Leafs, who finally made an addition at the NHL trade deadline. The Flyers, who flaunted that they wouldn’t give up Laughton for the right price, must have liked what they saw in Grebenkin, as they only got a conditional first from Toronto.
Stars acquired Mikko Rantanen (A)
Hurricanes acquired Logan Stankoven, 2026 first-round pick, 2026 third-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2027 third-round pick (A)
By far, the most significant trade of the NHL trade deadline comes after a lengthy contract negotiation. The Stars make a win-now move that will prop their Stanley Cup window open for at least four years. The picks won’t hurt as bad as they will likely be late firsts.
The Hurricanes had a messy tenure with Rantanen but got a great haul overall. Carolina got two firsts, two thirds, and Taylor Hall for Martian Necas.
Red Wings acquired Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith (B)
Blackhawks acquired Joe Veleno (B-)
The Red Wings acquired extra goalie depth and a potential fourth-line grinder. Chicago receives a young depth player without giving up anything uber valuable. This is a fair, dull trade at the NHL trade deadline for both sides.
Blue Jackets acquired Luke Kunin (A-)
Sharks acquired a 2025 fourth-round pick (B-)
The Blue Jackets make a small but meaningful move at the NHL trade deadline. Kunin will play a bottom-six role and round out Columbus’ center room nicely. This move could give them the extra boost needed to stay in the playoff hunt. The Sharks, who continue to pile draft capital, get a meh return for a depth player.
Avalanche acquired Charlie Coyle and a 2026 fifth-round pick (B)
Bruins acquire Casey Mittelstadt, William Zellers, and a 2025 second-round pick (B+)
The Avs continue to add offensively to keep pace with Central rivals. Coyle is a significant upgrade at the 2C position and needed an upgrade badly. Colorado has great center depth and is headed into the playoffs, thanks to the NHL trade deadline. The Bruins get a good return back for one of their better players. Hopefully, green pastures lie ahead.
Sharks acquired Zack Ostapchuk, Noah Gregor, and a second-round pick (C+)
Senators acquired Fabian Zetterlund, Tristen Robins, and a fourth-round pick (A-)
The Senators get a young player who’s proven his ability at the NHL level. Zetterlund will be an excellent piece for the Sens now and in the future, and they get him at a fantastic price. The Sharks may have been too draft pick-hungry with this trade. Zetterlund was a tremendous young piece for the Sharks that won’t be recouped quickly in the second draft round.
Devils acquired Cody Glass and Jonathan Gruden (C)
Penguins acquired Chase Stillman, Max Grahm, and a 2027 third-round pick (B-)
The Devils added a depth piece in Cody Glass. While it won’t move the needle, it is a good add for a hopeful playoff run. The Penguins continue to add young guys and draft capital during the NHL trade deadline.
Hurricanes acquired Mark Jankowski (B)
Predators acquired a 2026 fifth-round pick (B)
A simple, clear-cut trade. Jankowski hasn’t panned out like the Flames thought he would, and now the Predators are dealing him for just a fifth-round pick. The Hurricanes get a 4th liner that won’t significantly impact their lineup changes.
Devils acquired Daniel Sprong (B+)
Kraken acquired a 2026 seventh-round pick (B)
The Devils continue to add depth for cheap, and Sprong is a solid get. While he didn’t pan out whatsoever in Seattle, the hope is that a change of scenery will help revitalize his play. The Kraken get even more draft picks in this trade, adding to their massive total.
Boston acquired Henri Jokiharju (A-)
Sabres acquired a 2026 fourth-round pick (B+)
The Bruins finally add at the NHL trade deadline?? After a fire sale, they decide to trade for a player. Jokiharju will be a solid second- or third-pairing defenseman who will help with their retool/rebuild. The Sabres nab a fourth-round pick for a defenseman who hasn’t had the most consistent tenure.
Bruins acquired Danill Misyul (B-)
New Jersey Devils acquired Marc McLaughlin (C)
Certainly not the biggest trade by the Bruins during the NHL trade deadline. Misyul seems to have some potential, having a great year in the KHL before moving to the AHL where he struggled to adjust. McLaughlin is an unproven 25-year-old that the Devils may try to squeeze more talent out of.
Bruins acquired a conditional 2028 first-round pick (C-)
Panthers acquired Brad Marchand (A+)
The Panthers make a massive trade at the 12th hour of the NHL trade deadline. Brad Marchand is now a Panther. If he is healthy, he will be the perfect addition to an already physical Panthers team. The Bruins only get the first if Marchand plays in 50% or more of Florida’s first two playoff rounds.
This is not a great return for the captain and long-time member of the Bruins. It is a disappointing end to an amazing career in Boston.
Penguins acquired Connor Timmins and Connor Dewar (B+)
Leafs acquired 2025 fifth-round pick (B+)
The Penguins get a couple of Connors, and it only costs them a fifth-round pick. This is a good late pickup for the Pens at the NHL trade deadline. This looks like a trade that could be clearing room for another move, perhaps Brandon Carlos. An underlying motive for this is certainly possible.
Bruins acquired Fraser Minten and a 2026 first-round pick (A-)
Leafs acquired Brandon Carlo (A)
The Leafs address their defensive needs, and Carlo is a great addition to that blueline. He will slide in great as Toronto finally hopes to make a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, the Bruins add a big first-rounder as their fire sale concludes. Lots of big changes were made in Boston, and now it’s obvious in what direction they’re headed after the NHL trade deadline.
Now that the deadline is over, teams must trust their guys for the rest of the season. It was a rollercoaster week, but it was fun to spectate. Some of these trades will be looked upon fondly, and others will not. This last stretch of games before the playoffs becomes even more critical as seeding will start to be more focused on.
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